To address the mental health problems of Covid-19 patients in home isolation, Faridabad’s health department has started remote psychological counselling. The district has launched a helpline number and portal through which patients can contact counsellors of the health department.
“We have launched a helpline number and portal for the Covid patients to address their mental health issues. Our doctors will be available round the clock for the convenience of patients. We have a team of psychologists to address the mental health concerns of the patients. Moreover, we have decided to interact with the patients every day through a video link from 6pm to 6.30pm,” Yashpal Yadav, deputy commissioner, Faridabad told TOI.
The patients can call on 9555400900 or visit epsyclinic.com to avail the facility. The district administration has also launched the teleconsultation facility where psychologists are also available on call. The patients can download the ‘Faridabad Swasth’ application or call on the helpline number 0124-6811070 to talk to a counsellor.
“It is very important for a Covid positive patient to be mentally fit. The patients should try to keep themselves away from negative thoughts. We can address these issues by counselling of patients. We have started the facility of counselling through website and helpline numbers. We have a team of psychologists ready to help these patients,” said Dr Preeti Kochar, a psychologist associated with the initiative.
Also read: Need To Curb Unfair Drug prices and Inflated Hospital Bills: Article
Municipal Corporation of Faridabad commissioner Yash Garg, along with a psychologist, had interacted online with the Covid patients in home isolation and told them how to avail this facility and how it could help them address their mental health and other medical problems.
“Counselling is vital since people tend to imagine the worst scenario and think of taking drastic steps like suicide. Doctors can talk to such patients to understand if they have been sleeping well or if thoughts of self-harm have occurred to them. I think we should assume that all our Covid-19 patients are in shock and preliminary counselling should be made mandatory for the patients,” said Dr Preeti Singh, senior consultant, clinical psychology and psychotherapy, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram.
The Health Master is now on Telegram. For latest update on health and Pharmaceuticals, subscribe to The Health Master on Telegram.
